A campaigner has come up with a “bright” idea to make Dumfries cheerier this winter.

Mark Jardine, of the People’s Project, is hoping to start a winter light festival with the help of traders on Friars Vennel.

Mark said: “It’s something I’ve been working on for a while. I was on holiday in Canada and noticed the city of Owen Sound has a winter light festival that draws people from far away. It doesn’t require too much effort and could transform the town. If we target the Vennel and a few people put lights up neighbours will see them and think ‘I can do that’ then hopefully it spreads throughout the town.

“When you see Christmas lights up outside homes it makes you feel better. I’m suggesting the lights go on in the third Sunday of November. Psychologically it would postpone the arrival of winter and brighten the place up.

“We could have the lights on until the end of February and tie it in with the Big Burns Supper.” Mark has written to VisitScotland chief Mike Cantlay and said he “seemed keen” on the idea. He has also written to retailers in the Vennel with some expressing an interest.

Kirsty Bertram, co-ordinator of Buddies, said: “I don’t have any problem with what he’s saying or doing because it’s really important for brightening up the area and it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort.

“If he’s prepared to put this forward he deserves all of the support we can give him.”